The much-anticipated Light Rail Transit 3 (LRT3) project, linking Bandar Utama in Petaling Jaya to Johan Setia in Klang, is set to begin operations on 30 September this year, as confirmed by Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
Final Preparations Underway
The 37.8km rail line is now 98.63% complete, with the final stages of construction expected to conclude by 31 July. The project, which has been in the works for years, will soon be handed over to Prasarana Malaysia Bhd by the turnkey contractor.
In response to a parliamentary query from Azli Yusof (Pakatan Harapan Shah Alam), Loke assured that all necessary works are progressing according to schedule to meet the planned launch date.
Rigorous Testing Before Opening
Before welcoming passengers, LRT3 will undergo a comprehensive two-phase trial run to ensure the systems safety and reliability.
Phase One: The main contractor, Setia Utama LRT3 Sdn Bhd, will conduct a 75-day Trial Run (TR) and Fault-Free Run (FFR) from mid-April to late June 2025. During this period, the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) will evaluate the systems compliance with safety and operational standards.
Phase Two: Once APAD grants approval, Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd will commence a 60-day Trial Operation from July to August 2025, with technical support from the main contractor.
Cost Adjustments Over the Years
LRT3 was initially launched in 2016 under the Barisan Nasional administration with an estimated budget of RM9 billion, designed to include 26 stations. However, additional costs such as project delivery fees, consultancy, and operational expenses pushed the total expenditure to RM31.7 billion.
To manage costs, the Pakatan Harapan government in 2018 reduced the project scope, shelving five stations and canceling one, bringing the total cost down to RM16.63 billion. However, in the 2024 Budget, Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the revival of the five postponed stations Tropicana, Raja Muda, Temasya, Bukit Raja, and Bandar Botanikat an added cost of RM4.7 billion.
Boosting Public Transport Accessibility
The launch of LRT3 is expected to greatly enhance public transport connectivity in the Klang Valley, particularly benefiting commuters in Petaling Jaya and Klang. By offering a reliable alternative to road travel, the new line aims to alleviate congestion and support the regions growing transportation network.
With final preparations and rigorous testing on track, anticipation is building for the official launch in September, marking a significant step forward in Malaysia's urban mobility landscape.
Source: TheEdge Malaysia
